War of Words Over ‘War on Coal’

After EPA chief Gina McCarthy ignited a firefight with her “war on coal” comments during her appearance last week on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” McCarthy yesterday called a truce with the coal industry and Republican lawmakers via Twitter.

“Can’t be more clear: there is no war on coal. Clean Power Plan is about reducing pollution and fighting for public health,” she tweeted.

Her comments on the TV show that started the battle: Maher asked McCarthy if the EPA’s proposed carbon pollution rules for power plants constituted a war on coal.

“Actually, EPA is all about fighting against pollution and fighting for public health,” McCarthy responded. “That’s exactly what this is.”

Some energy companies and manufacturers have blasted the Clean Power Plan, warning it will kill jobs and increase business’ costs.